Scientist, Optical Systems Engineering

L3Harris Technologies•Palm Bay, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is part of L3Harris’s Space Systems Sector within the Space and Mission Systems Segment. The Optical Systems Engineer supports programs developing space-based and ground-based products, contributing across the system lifecycle, including pursuits, milestone reviews, and system operation. The role works collaboratively with the program team and cross-functional engineering groups to develop, integrate, test, and deliver optical communication hardware and systems. The position applies optical communications and electrical engineering principles to hardware development. It covers requirements and interface management, system design, performance modeling, verification and test planning, risk management, hardware testing, and technical leadership. The engineer also supports subcontractor management, customer-needs evaluation, design trades, business pursuits, and continuous improvement. The position is located in Palm Bay, Florida, and requires the ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 12 years of relevant experience, or a graduate degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience; alternatively, at least 16 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
Experience with optical design, integration, and testing of optical assemblies.
Experience leading technical teams.
Must be able to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the Space Development Agency (SDA) OCT Standard.
Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
Familiarity with evaluating and selecting vendors to supply critical components for advanced systems.
Experience with earned value management.
Experience using Zemax and/or Code V optical software for advanced design and analysis.
Experience with FRED or similar stray-light analysis software for evaluating and mitigating optical-system interference.
Active DoD Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Review, develop, analyze, and allocate system requirements for free-space optical communication links and ground terminals.
Develop and run performance models, including link budgets, pointing/acquisition/tracking simulations, and mitigation techniques such as adaptive optics.
Integrate optical terminals into satellite architectures and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on design, testing, and validation.
Oversee space hardware development and testing activities.
Lead complex technical teams and programs to deliver hardware on schedule and within scope.
Manage and verify system and component requirements using tools such as DOORS or Jama.
Manage subcontractors, author Statements of Work, and ensure compliance with program obligations.
Support system, module, and sub-assembly testing; troubleshooting; defect resolution; and continuous product and test-process improvement.
Evaluate customer needs, conduct design trades, assess and mitigate program risks, and lead technical input for business pursuits.
Support requirements management, interface management, system design, risk and opportunity management, verification planning, test planning, and event-based activities such as RCCAs, FRBs, and MRBs.
Contribute to critical program phases and milestone reviews, including pursuit, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR, and system operation.